Casual vs Dress Watches: How to Choose

Learning the differences between dress vs. casual watches and how to wear them is a vital part of leveling up your style. Read on to get the scoop.

From chronograph watches to diving models, dress timepieces to more casual-wear options, there’s a watch for every occasion. So how do you choose between the casual styles and the models you’d we wear for more formal events?

If you’re new to the world of watches or even if you have just found yourself wondering what the difference is between a dress and a casual watch, read on to learn more about them.

Types of Watches

Just like with other accessories, clothing, and shoes, the different types of watches sit on a spectrum and the range of models will suit different occasions and lifestyles. For example, you wouldn’t wear sneakers to a wedding, but they fit right at home with your sports equipment. Watches are much the same.

Field watches – these are the most simplistic in design and considered some of the most casual watches. Originally designed for the military in the First World War – the straightforward, utilitarian design was supposed to provide soldiers with a quick and easy, no-frills time-telling tool right on their wrist. They clearly and accurately display the time with minimal additional complications.

Pilot watches – designed to be read quickly and clearly, these watches originally helped pilots navigate the skies. They have more complications than other watch types, like chronograph functions, fly-back chronographs, or dual time tracking capabilities (GMT). Their designs tend to be more complex to account for these additional functions.

Chronograph watches – these watches, also known as racing watches, feature a chronograph complication to help you measure elapsed time. Chronographs are essentially stopwatches and allow you to track elapsed time such as timing laps in a race.

Diving watches – designed for underwater use, they are usually large, highly durable, and feature a range of useful complications. They feature substantial cases, easily legible dials for better viewing underwater, and rotating bezels that are used to track your time below the surface.

Dress watches – designed to be worn in formal or business settings, they are typically slim, elegant, and simple in design. You’d usually wear one with a formal outfit such as a suit to complement it and add a classy finishing touch to your look.

Key Differences Between Dress and Casual Watches

You’ll find that there are multiple differences between dress and casual watches, both in terms of design and functionality. For example, a dress watch will likely have a leather band or a metal bracelet whereas a casual watch may have a fabric or silicone strap instead.

Casual:

Typically worn during everyday activities like shopping, exercising, hiking, or working at the office.
Can come with a variety of attachments, but most commonly features a fabric or silicone strap.
Some people prefer to splurge on a dress watch while a casual watch is a more affordable, everyday option.
Can have a fun, more playful design.
Can feature a range of complications such as chronographs, compasses, tide trackers, or temperature sensors.
Can be small and lightweight or large and full of features depending on your needs and preferences.
May be available in multiple materials such as eco-ceramic, recycled ocean plastic, or stainless steel.

Dress:

Designed to be worn with suits and formal wear – ideal for accessorizing at weddings and other dressy events.
Watch bands will likely be leather but may also be metal.
As they’re often bought for special occasions, many dress watches feature higher-end movements.
Design will be simple, sleek, and classic with a low profile.
Will typically not have any additional features, but may include simple functions like a day and date complication.
More likely to be well balanced in size and be neither too large nor too small on your wrist.
Likely to feature higher end materials, like a stainless-steel case or sapphire crystal.

Pros and Cons of Casual Watches

If you like to wear a watch every day, you may want to add a casual watch to your collection. These watches can feature quartz, hand-wound, and automatic movements and are more versatile, with a wide range of complications and features to choose from.

Pros:

Versatile thanks to the wide range of complications available.
Many casual watches feature robust cases and durable crystals, making them durable enough for the everyday and ready for adventure.
Variety is the spice of life and casual watches boast plenty of it.
Require less maintenance.

Cons:

Potentially lacking in elegance, so not always suitable for formal settings.
Some larger designs may be too bulky to wear under smarter cuffs.

Pros and Cons of Dress Watches

Having a dress watch in your watch collection gives you plenty of options when it comes to more formal occasions. Weddings, work events, and cocktail parties are all excuses to get dressed up and show off your personal style – including your taste in watches. But, just like any other timepiece, a dress watch has its own set of pros and cons to consider before you buy.

Pros:

Elegant and timeless designs.
Their sophisticated appeal pairs well with suits and formal wear.
Tend to be slimmer and more minimalistic in design.
Mechanical movements are traditional, but they can also feature quartz or automatic movements.

Cons:

Limited versatility due to few or no additional complications.
Mechanical movements require regular maintenance.
Fewer opportunities to wear them.

When to Wear a Dress Watch vs. a Casual Watch

Sport

Whether you’re hiking, playing a sport, or spending a lot of time in the gym, it’s important to opt for a watch that can keep up with you. Chronograph watches, diving watches (if you spend time in the water), and digital watches are all examples of casual watches that pair well with an active or athletic lifestyle, as their materials can typically withstand things like sweat, moisture, or light impact. Keep clear of a dress watch when working out.

Casual

Casual outfits such as jeans and a T–shirt are the perfect setting for a casual watch. Especially if you’re spending the day by the lake or just running errands and chilling at home. But your more casual outfits can also be elevated by the addition of a dress watch – ideal for attending parties and gatherings with friends where you wouldn’t need to get fully dressed up but still want to look presentable.

Business casual

Business casual attire can benefit greatly from a dress watch. Wearing a pair of slacks with a shirt and smart sweater is the perfect office attire. And when paired with a dress watch, you’ll look put together with a professional edge.

Business Formal

When only suits and ties are necessary in your workplace, smart accessories are also essential. This is not the time to put on your casual sports watch. Make sure to match the leather of your dress watch band to your belt and shoes, or if your watch band is metal, make sure it matches the other metals in your belt buckle and cufflinks. For women, match the metal of your watch band to your other jewelry and the hardware on your purse for a cohesive, put-together style.

Black/White Tie

Traditionally, you were not supposed to wear a watch to a black or white tie event. And if you did, checking the time was considered very impolite. Nowadays, though, this rule is more relaxed. Black or white tie is the most formal dress code and if you decide to wear a watch with your dress or suit, a dress watch is the only acceptable timepiece. Just like with business formal, match the leather and metals across your whole ensemble – no mixing of black and brown leather here.

Heirloom watches

Usually worn as good luck charms or for sentimental reasons, heirloom watches are exceptions to the style rules. How many of us have worn our grandfather’s old watch to a wedding, for example? Whether casual or dress, an heirloom watch serves as a great conversation piece and makes an excellent personal touch to your outfit.

Timex’s Range of Casual and Dress Watches

Here at Timex, we have over 170 years of watchmaking experience under our belts. Throughout our collections, you can find both men’s dress watches and women’s dress watches – ideal for work, special occasions, and for pairing with your best outfits.

If you’re more of an adventurer or prefer to keep your style more relaxed, our men’s casual watches are perfect for everyday wear and hiking trips alike. They feature a variety of complications to keep you on track for your 9am meeting and on the trail. Our women’s casual watches are also ideal for wearing every day. They feature fun design elements and enough complications to ensure you make all your appointments or keep an eye on the tides for that early morning swim.

Key Takeaway

Learning the differences between dress vs. casual watches and how to wear them is a vital part of leveling up your style. Whether you regularly wear suits to the office, prefer more of an athleisure style, or you’re shopping for a timepiece to wear to your very own wedding, finding the perfect watch will elevate and bring together your entire look.

https://timex.com/blogs/the-timex-blog/casual-vs-dress-watches

Casual vs Dress Watches: How to ChooseUpdated 6 hours ago